Death of a Pumpkin Carver Read Online Free PDF

stared out at her, meowing. “See what happens when you chase a raccoon and actually catch it? They can get pretty vicious. Do me a favor and stick to the squirrels, okay?”
    The redheaded woman laughed and then turned and walked out of the clinic with her cat and carrier, passing Hayley and Danny and giving them a friendly nod.
    Gemma brightened at the sight of her mother, not noticing her father standing just behind her. “Did you come to give me a ride home? I just need another five minutes.”
    â€œLook at you. All grown up and wearing a lab coat like a real doctor. This is just too much,” Danny said, shaking his head, resisting the urge to get emotional at the sight of his mature, professional daughter.
    Gemma’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. “Dad . . . ?”
    Danny stepped around Hayley, his arms spread open. “Come give your papa a big hug, darling!”
    Gemma darted across the room and fell into her father’s arms, squeezing him tight and resting her head on his broad chest. “Dad, I can’t believe you’re here! Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?”
    â€œWanted to surprise you,” Danny said. “I made your mother promise not to say anything until I could greet you in person!”
    â€œHow long are you here for?” Gemma asked, still not believing he was standing here right in front of her.
    Hayley was happy Gemma asked that question.
    She too wanted to know just how long he was going to stick around.
    â€œI got no set schedule. I’m definitely hoping to spend time with you and Dustin while I’m here.”
    â€œWell, yes, I’m working every day but I have nights and weekends off and . . . Dustin’s going to freak when he sees you!”
    â€œWhere is he?”
    â€œHe’s at home hanging out with his friend Spanky. Are you coming over for dinner tonight?”
    â€œWell, I don’t want to put your mother out . . .”
    Hayley opened her mouth to suggest he take the kids out to dinner and she would stay home, but Gemma never gave her the chance.
    â€œI’ll cook. I’m actually getting pretty good. Mom, you don’t have to do a thing. Just relax, have some wine, and leave everything to me.”
    Hayley nodded, biting her lip, not enthused by the prospect of spending an evening at home with Danny and the kids like they did as a family before the divorce.
    Dr. Aaron’s elderly full-time assistant, Edna, a severe woman whose typical expression was a sour face as if she were constantly sucking on a bitter lemon, walked out from the back of the clinic and took her place behind the reception desk. She wore an unflattering print dress and a gray wool sweater and blew into her cupped hands because she was cold.
    Hayley marveled how someone could always look so resoundingly miserable.
    Gemma raised her index finger to her parents. “I just need to talk to Dr. Aaron about something before I leave.”
    She dashed back over to Edna. “Is Dr. Aaron still with the Labrador?”
    â€œYes. Why?” Edna asked, lowering her glasses to the edge of her pointy nose.
    â€œI just wanted to talk to him before I leave.”
    â€œIf you have anything to say to the doctor, you speak to me first.”
    â€œOh, okay. I just wanted to run an idea by him.”
    â€œWhat kind of idea?” Edna said, sighing.
    It had been clear from day one that Edna was not happy about Gemma working at the practice. She was obviously threatened by her youthful energy and positive attitude and wanted to maintain a general feeling of musty gloom.
    â€œIt’s silly, really, but it could be fun,” Gemma said, plowing ahead, either unaware or willfully ignoring Edna’s disapproving stare. “I was thinking since Halloween is right around the corner we could host a pet costume contest. You know, people could come by the office and we’d take pictures and put them up and then they